Student reviews
We would like to introduce the impressions of those who received scholarships from Ballet Connection and went abroad to study!
We received real testimonials from people who have actually experienced this!
Queensland Ballet School/Australia
T.Y., male, 12 years old (age at time of study abroad), Spring Holiday Program
Impressions of lessons at the study abroad destination (by the student)
I was the only Japanese and male dancer in the Swan Lake repertoire, so I was able to receive four days of one-on-one lessons. At first, I was only practicing the male variation of the pas de trois, but halfway through, I was asked to try the scene where the prince dances while searching for Odette, and it was my first time playing the prince, and I was able to take on the challenge of acting, which was very fulfilling.
The director of QBA came to watch the final repertoire presentation, and I was very happy to hear him tell my host mother, who was also there to watch, "If he wants to study at this school, I'll be happy to help him. Let's prepare him to become a principal here!"
After that, I also participated in the academy's Level 4 class lessons for five days.
There was only one older boy in the Level 4 class, who was 14 years old, so it was just the two of us in the lesson.
The content was strict, and every time I made a movement I was corrected, and if I was even slightly careless the teacher would scold me, so I needed to be very focused.
My only classmate was very cheerful and fun, and we had some similarities, so even though there were only two of us, the atmosphere in the class was bright.
There were two to three classes a day, so I took contemporary dance classes and also experienced gym equipment for the first time. I lifted weights and practiced jumping on a trampoline while lying down, which gave me a different sense of my body than I had in ballet lessons.
Maybe the teacher liked Western music, because there was upbeat Western music playing in the gym, so I had a lot of fun working out.
While I was at QBA, I was able to have a teacher with me almost all the time, supervising my lessons, so I feel very fortunate and grateful.
Your thoughts on life abroad (yourself)
My homestay this time was with a Japanese mother and her two daughters (the younger sister is the same age as me). My host mother was cheerful and very kind, and the food was delicious every day.
At first, I was given directions to QBA and found out that I would be taking the train and bus by myself.
However, it was spring break so the number of trains was reduced, and when I went there once with my host mother there were no bus announcements at all so I had to memorize the scenery and get off the bus myself, and the road from the bus to the school was not safe for an elementary school student, so she decided to drive me to and from school every day.
I was always so tired on the way back that I fell asleep in the car, so if I had gone there myself I wouldn't have been able to do that, and I might have fallen asleep and missed my stop.
So I think it must have been hard for my host mother every day, but I always thought, "Thank you so much!"
After the repertoire was over, I had one day off, so I went to an amusement park on the Gold Coast with my host family. I had a lot of fun playing on the attractions and seeing kangaroos scratching their bellies and koalas eating eucalyptus!
Other feelings about the trip (person)
When I heard that there was only one person who wanted to study abroad this time, I told my parents that I wanted to go and that it was fine if I was the only one.
About a week before I left, I thought, "We're almost there!" and got a little nervous, but I was more excited than anything.
Still, it was my first time flying, going abroad, and traveling alone, so I was frozen the whole time on the plane there (lol), but on the way back I watched three movies and listened to a lot of music.
The 12 days went by really quickly.
I would like to be able to study at a ballet school overseas for a long period of time someday, and this experience of studying abroad has made it clear to me that I want to work a little harder in Japan before I can go.
Comments from parents about Ballet Connection support
Sending my elementary school child overseas alone caused me more worry and anxiety than I had imagined.
I always had negative thoughts about whether the child would actually come back home, and I really understood the feelings of parents who send their children abroad to study ballet.
Without the support of the BC Secretariat, I would not have been able to move forward in my study abroad.
There was so much to list, from obtaining a visa and preparing the necessary documents, dealing with administrative matters with the ballet school, finding a host family and exchanging details, and so on. I think it was thanks to them being so considerate and understanding of the feelings of an anxious parent, and being so kind and responding to even the smallest of questions, that I was able to find the courage to go forward.
Now I'm really glad that I was able to fulfill his wish to go to school, and I've learned that children are more responsible outside than their parents think.
As parents, we were able to learn a lot from the experience of being helpless.
If there is an opportunity, I would like to use the BC Secretariat's services again.
Thank you very much.
Queensland Ballet School/Australia
T.Y., male, 12 years old (age at time of study abroad), Spring Holiday Program
留学先での
レッスンの感想
（ご本人）
明るく開放的なスタジオで在校生と同じ内容でレッスンさせていただいたことは､ とても貴重な体験となりました｡
また担任の先生が､とても丁寧に教えてくださいました｡
私は､先生が他の人に言った注意を聞き､ 次に自分を見てもらう時にその注意をとても意識しながら踊りました｡
すると先生がExactlyと何度もおっしゃり､ ｢私が言ったことをしっかり直してくれた！｣ と褒めていただき､とても嬉しかったです｡
所属しているバレエの先生に日頃から､ 注意を受けたところなどはしっかりその場で修正することの大切さを聞いていたので､それを生かすことができました｡
そしてレッスンの内容は､無理に足を高く上げることや､沢山回ることはせず､正しい位置で踊ることを切にしていた印象でした｡ 在校生のレッスンの様子を見ていても､じっくりと自分の体の正しい位置を探しながら集中してレッスンを受けているように見え､とても参考になりました｡
私は今回の留学で､いただいた注意などは他の人に向けてのものまでしっかり聞き､その場で直すことの切さや､正しい体の位置で踊ることが1番大事なことだと改めて感じることができました｡
他にもトゥシューズで､先生から振り付けをしてもらい､その場で踊る授業もありました｡ その時は､ 在校生と3人ほどのチームになって踊ることができ､さらに先生には表現が良く見えるようなご指導をいただき､ 目線や顔の方向の大切さや3人でその場で揃えて踊らなければならないことの難しさを実感しました｡
今後の課題として､バレエの理解を深めるためにもっと英語の勉強をしなければいけないと思いました｡
留学先での生活の
感想（ご本人）
雪が降る寒い季節でしたが､寮は暖かく快適でした｡
在校生とも話す機会があり､学校の説明や他の在校生の紹介などもしてもらい､また一緒にお買い物にも行けました｡ とても楽しく異文化コミュニケーションもでき､レッスン以外の場でも学びがありました｡
寮の食事も美味しく､またレッスンの合間にヨーグルトなどのスナックタイムがありました｡ 体力が回復しましたし､気分転換にもなりました｡
その他、渡航の際のお気持ちなど
（ご本人）
1人で外国に行くのは初めてで不安でしたが､カナダの空港に学校からの付添いの方が待っていてくださり､とても優しく親切でホッとしました｡ 帰国の時も空港まで付添ってくださいました｡
バレエコネクションサポートの感想
（保護者）
バレエコネクションの方には最初から最後まで本当にお世話になりました｡
カナダ国立バレエ学校はとてもしっかりされた学校なので､短期留学といえども娘の受入れのため事前に準備することが多く､バレエコネクションの方のお力添えがなければ娘の留学は到底なし得ないことでした｡
学校からのお知らせや､寮の決まりなどの膨大な資料の和訳もしてくださいました｡ また様々な場面を想定した細かな注意事項などもベストなタイミングでご指示いただけたことも大変助かり ました｡
またカナダは未成年の単独入国に関して厳しい国ですので､eTAの登録や未成年渡航同意書の作成（公証役での書類作成）についても､何度も何度もご相談させていただき､無事娘の単独渡航が実現しました。
このような骨の折れるお手続きを代行してくださり､また親身に寄り添ってくださり感謝の気持ちでいっぱいです｡
いつか娘が長期で留学する機会がありましたら､その時もバレエコネクションの方にお願いしたいです｡ 本当にありがとうございました！
Queensland Ballet School/Australia
T.Y., male, 12 years old (age at time of study abroad), Spring Holiday Program
留学先での
レッスンの感想
（ご本人）
Swan Lakeのレパートリーでは日本人も男子も自分だけでしたが、そのおかげで4日間マンツーマンでレッスンを見て貰えました。最初パドトロワの男性バリエーションだけを練習していましたが、途中で王子がオデットを探しながら踊るシーンもやってみようと言われ、初めての王子役、そして演じることにもチャレンジ出来てとても充実していました。
レパートリー最終日の発表ではQBAのディレクターが見に来られて、見に来てくれていたホストマザーに「彼がこの学校で学ぶことを希望しているなら力になる。ここでプリンシパルになる準備をしよう！」と話してくれたと聞いて、とても嬉しかったです。
その後5日間、アカデミーのレベル4のクラスレッスンにも参加しました。
レベル4のクラスは年上の14歳の男子1人しかいなかったので、彼と2人でのレッスンでした。
内容は厳しくて、とにかく動くたびに修正されて、少しでも甘くなると先生から注意を受けるのでとても集中力が必要でした。
たった1人のクラスメイトはとても愉快で楽しく、自分と似てるところもあったので2人でもクラスの雰囲気は明るかったです。
一日に2〜3クラスあったのでコンテンポラリーを受けたり、器具を使ったジムも初めて経験しました。おもりを持ち上げたり、寝ながらトランポリンでジャンプの練習をしたりバレエのレッスンとは違う身体の感覚を知れました。
先生が洋楽好きだったのか、ジムではノリの良い洋楽が流れていて、すごく楽しく身体を鍛えられました。
QBAに居る間、どの時間もほぼ先生に付きっきりでレッスンを見て貰えたので、とても恵まれていたなと感謝しています。
留学先での生活の
感想（ご本人）
今回のホームステイ先は日本人のお母さんと女の子2人(妹は自分と同じ年)がいました。ホストマザーは明るくて、とても優しい人で、お料理も毎日美味しかったです。
最初QBAまでは行き方を教えて貰ったら一人で電車とバスに乗って行く事になっていました。
でもちょうど春休み中で電車の本数が減ってしまってたり、一度ホストマザーと一緒に行ってみた時にバスのアナウンスが全然なくて自分で景色を覚えて降りないといけなかったり、バスを降りてから学校までの道が小学生にはセーフティじゃないからと、毎日車で学校まで送り迎えしてくれることになりました。
帰りの車ではいつも疲れて爆睡していたので、自分で通っていたらそれは出来なかったし、爆睡して乗り過ごしたりしてたかもしれません。
なのでホストマザーは毎日大変だったと思うけど、いつも本当にありがとうございます！と思っていました。
レパートリーが終わった後、一日だけ休日がありましたが、ホストファミリーと一緒にゴールドコーストの遊園地に行って、アトラクションで遊んだり、お腹を掻いてるカンガルーやユーカリを食べてるコアラを見れてとても楽しかったです！
その他、渡航の際のお気持ちなど
（ご本人）
今回の留学の希望者は一人だけと聞いた時に、自分が行きたいと思ってるから一人でもいいと両親に伝えました。
出発する一週間くらい前に「もう少しで出発だ！」と思って少し緊張したけど、楽しみの方が大きかったです。
それでも飛行機も海外もひとり旅も全部初めてだったので、行きの飛行機の中ではずっと固まってました（笑）が、帰りは映画を3本観たり、音楽を沢山聞きました。
12日間は本当にあっという間でした。
いつか、海外のバレエ学校で長期で学べるようになりたいと思っていますが、今回留学を経験出来たことで、もう少し日本で頑張ってから行けるように頑張りたいとはっきり思えるようになりました。
バレエコネクションサポートの感想
（保護者）
小学生を一人で海外に送り出すことは、想像以上の心配と不安がありました。
それこそちゃんと自分たちの元に帰って来てくれるのか、とネガティブな想像も常にあり、バレエ留学で我が子を海外に送り出している親御さんの気持ちがよく分かりました。
本当にBC事務局のサポートなしでは一歩も前に進めなかった留学でした。
ビザの取得や必要な書類を準備すること、バレエ学校との事務的なやり取り、ホストファミリーを見つけて詳細をやり取りしていただくなどなど、あげたらキリがなく、不安になる親の気持ちを組んで親身に寄り添って頂き、些細な質問にも温かくご対応いただいたおかげで勇気を出せたと思います。
今は本人の行きたい希望を叶えてあげられて本当に良かったと思いますし、親が思っている以上に子供は外ではしっかりしていることを知れました。
親の方も手も足も出せない状況を経験して気づきが沢山ありました。
またぜひ機会があれば、BC事務局にお世話になりたいと思っています。
本当にありがとうございました。
Tallinn International Ballet/Estonia
H.K., female, 9 years old (age at time of study abroad), Summer Intensive Primary Course
Impressions of lessons at the study abroad destination (by the student)
I participated in three weeks of the four-week summer school.
Lessons started at 9:15 in the morning and ended at 4:00 on some days and 6:00 on others. After the divided class lessons, there was storytelling, Pilates, and the final play rehearsal of the summer school.
It was difficult because I didn't understand the language, but I tried to think back to my regular lessons and think about what I was being told to do.
When I was in trouble, other members of my class and Japanese ladies helped me out during joint lessons.
During breaks, we taught each other languages and had arm wrestling, and had a lot of fun.
I'm not good at Pilates and it was difficult, but I was more than happy and enjoyed being able to take lessons all day.
During the rehearsal lesson towards the end of the summer school, it was difficult to learn and dance new choreography in a short amount of time, but it was fun as I was able to watch the older students' lessons while waiting and had many new experiences.
Although there were some mistakes on stage, it was a lot of fun.
I would like to learn the language and improve my ballet skills so that I can take on the challenge again for the full period.
Your thoughts on life abroad (yourself)
My host family was very kind to me.
The meals prepared for us were easy to eat for breakfast and dinner, and I looked forward to every meal. I loved the zucchini pancakes that the mother made.
The summer climate in Estonia was more comfortable than in Japan.
During the first week, I would come home tired and fall asleep immediately after eating and showering.
After the second week, I got used to it a bit, and in my free time, I was taken to old towns, the beach, parks, and shopping.
Although my life was different from Japan, my host family spoke Japanese and talked to me a lot. They were very kind and I had a lot of fun every day without any worries or problems.
Other feelings about traveling abroad
(The person in question)
I had always dreamed of studying abroad in a ballet school where I could spend a whole day learning ballet, and it seemed like there were many classes other than classical, so I was really looking forward to studying abroad.
(Parent)
I was worried that it might be a reckless challenge, as he would be traveling alone for a long period of time, but I respected his strong will and sent him off prepared for him to return to his home country halfway through.
Above all, they were able to arrange a reliable homestay for me, which helped me decide to send my child off.
What people are saying about Ballet Connection Support
(Parent)
I would like to express my gratitude for the generous support I received, which made my study abroad experience possible.
I was able to leave it to them to handle the necessary procedures for travel and studying abroad, as they simply instructed me on the necessary matters.
During my study abroad, the local director and my homestay kept in contact with me and updated me on what was happening there. My host family also took excellent care of me, arranging immigration, transporting me to and from school, and managing my schedule, so I was able to keep an eye on them with peace of mind.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for giving me this opportunity and for the support I received in many areas where I was lacking as a parent.
Ellison Ballet/USA
H.K., female, 20 years old (age at time of study abroad), Premier Coaching Intensive (Los Angeles)
Currently studying abroad on a yearly scholarship from the summer intensive course
Impressions of lessons at the study abroad destination
We offer class lessons, pointe classes, pas de deux classes, and contemporary dance from Monday to Friday from 10:30 to 16:30, and on weekends we receive private instruction or rent a studio for self-study.
Currently, I am busy with rehearsals for the winter showcase in December and a guest appearance, but I am having a very fulfilling time.
Impressions of life abroad
I live alone in an apartment share house, and even when I'm tired, I try to eat a balanced diet.
At school, I work hard at my lessons while competing with other students who share the same goals. On weekends, I refresh myself by going for morning runs with friends, or going on picnics and events.
Other feelings about traveling abroad
I was leaving for the US about two months after my short-term study abroad, and before I knew it, there were competitions and recitals scheduled during that time, so the day of departure came around. I was a little nervous, as I received a lot of encouragement from everyone at the studio, but I was more than happy to be able to study at the school I wanted.
What people are saying about Ballet Connection Support
During my short-term study abroad, they provided me with detailed information and took care of me in many ways, so I was able to focus on my lessons without any problems during my time there. As a result, I was able to receive a year's scholarship, and I am grateful that it was all thanks to Ballet Connection's support. Thank you very much.
Ellison Ballet/USA
K.C., female, 12 years old (age at time of study abroad), Classical Variations Intensive (New York)
Impressions of lessons at the study abroad destination (by the student)
Mr. J's classes were very friendly and cheerful, and I enjoyed the lessons. At first, I struggled with balance, but by the time I returned to Japan, I was able to stop perfectly! When I took a variation lesson with Mr. Ellison, he carefully instructed me on the position of the kuppe.
It was a very fulfilling lesson and I had a lot of fun!!
Your thoughts on life abroad (yourself)
Studying abroad was a bit tough. I had to cook almost everything myself, so I had to get up early. My American roommate was super cute and fun! She often cooked breakfast for me (^O^) (She even brought her own microwave!) The Japanese ladies who came with me accompanied me on shopping trips, cooked dinner for me, and ate with me in the lounge. We were in different rooms, which was inconvenient at times, but they were all very kind to me!
Other feelings about the trip (person)
On the first day, I was sad to be away from my parents and sister, so I went to sleep with the LINE phone still plugged in. But thanks to the fulfilling lessons, the many times Professor Ellison spoke to me, and the many foreign friends I made there, I was able to return home feeling physically and mentally stronger than when I left!
Comments from parents about Ballet Connection support
The person in charge at Ballet Connection was very kind and accommodating.
Before we left, we were worried because we didn't have much information about life there, so we would like you to share our impressions and experiences with future ballerinas who will be studying abroad.
Ellison Ballet/USA
E.H., female, 17 years old (age at time of study abroad), Classical Variations Intensive (New York)
Impressions of lessons at the study abroad destination (by the student)
It was my first time studying abroad, so I was very nervous just entering the studio on the first day. I was very happy to be able to dance in a studio with a high ceiling, large mirrors, and a beautiful view from the windows.
We were the only participants from outside of English-speaking countries, so we sometimes had difficulty understanding the language, but it was a truly luxurious experience to be taught classical ballet lessons and variations for five hours every day.
In the variations class, we were taught the famous Va from Act 1 of Aurora Sleeping, Va from The Pirate's Garden, the solo part of the Vili from Giselle, which is not usually danced in competitions, Va 2 from Paquita, Va from The Jewel Sleeping, Va 2 from The Shadow of La Bayadère, etc. For each dance, we were taught not only the choreography but also carefully how to express ourselves in each scene, so over the two weeks we studied and practiced many expressions that suited each role.
On the final day, there was a presentation for parents, and the center was divided into small groups and each group took turns performing. During the variation presentation, I also had the opportunity to dance two solo songs.
After the lesson, the teacher in charge of the class and the parents of the other children who came to watch praised my dancing, which made me very happy.
Your thoughts on life abroad (yourself)
The dormitory was located in a quiet residential area about 30 minutes from the studio, and I took the subway to get to the studio.
There was a large supermarket about a 10-minute walk from the dormitory, where I was able to quickly get everything I needed.
My dorm room had a stove and running water, so I cooked all three meals myself and learned how difficult it is to cook for myself.
There was a 13-hour time difference, and the day and night schedules were the complete opposite of those in Japan, which was also difficult.
Since there were no lessons on Saturday and Sunday, I was able to have fun going to see a Broadway musical and shopping.
Other feelings about the trip (person)
As this was my first time studying abroad, I was feeling anxious and worried about causing trouble for the people I was with, but everyone was very kind to me and I was able to enjoy the two weeks.
I was so grateful to receive the scholarship to study abroad.
As this was my first time studying abroad, I was worried about the procedures and life abroad.
It was reassuring to find out that the three of us would be going together on the same scholarship.
Comments from parents about Ballet Connection support
I was very grateful that they responded immediately to any issues I had at the airport over the phone, and I was able to communicate with the local staff and travel safely.
Thanks to the arrangements they made to put us in contact with the parents of children traveling on the same scholarship, we were able to smoothly prepare things in advance (ballet equipment, daily necessities, suitcases, children's cards, pocket Wi-Fi, etc.) and complete procedures on the day of travel, which was very helpful.
They provided me with a wide range of detailed support, including arranging accommodation at my study abroad destination (dormitories affiliated with the school), applying for a passport, purchasing plane tickets, introducing overseas payment methods using Wise (tuition, rent, etc.), arranging things like going to the ballet at my study abroad destination, and providing guidance on how to apply for ESTA, and I am extremely grateful for their courteous and easy-to-understand responses via email and phone whenever I had questions or problems.
Thanks to you, my child was able to successfully complete his first study abroad experience, and both he and his parents were able to gain valuable experience. We hope to continue to receive your support in the future if the opportunity arises.
Ellison Ballet/USA
H.T., female, 16 years old (age at time of study abroad), Classical Variations Intensive (New York)
Impressions of lessons at the study abroad destination (by the student)
I was able to learn a lot of different variations.
The balance was strengthened.
Strengthening the basics of how to use sound.
He not only looked at technique, but also at the expressions and facial expressions conveyed by the choreography, and how the sounds were captured, carefully observing each individual's variations and giving feedback.
Your thoughts on life abroad (yourself)
The dorm mother welcomed me in a friendly manner and took good care of me.
On the first day, when I had to change classrooms, they accompanied me to and from the classroom, which made me feel at ease.
When there was a problem with the dormitory facilities , they responded immediately.
They checked my health and well-being during roll call before bed.
They accompanied me to the airport both on the way there and back, so I was able to travel with peace of mind.
They recommended nearby supermarkets and cafes, so we were able to buy our own food locally.
Other feelings about the trip (person)
As this was my first time studying abroad, I was quite anxious, but I was able to easily ask questions about even minor matters such as how to fill out paperwork, and responses were quick.
When I told them I was worried about my English, they arranged for me to take English conversation lessons and provided language support.
Comments from parents about Ballet Connection support
My daughter had several chances to study abroad in the past, but it never came to fruition, so I'm very happy that with your support, it finally came to fruition. I was confused by the procedures and arrangements I was going through for the first time, and there were many times when things didn't go smoothly, but you communicated with me multiple times each time. I was relieved when we were able to send her off safely, and I think she was able to spend her time there with peace of mind because we also had good communication with the dorm mother after she left. Both my daughter and I were able to take a step that we had been hesitant to take, and although it was difficult, it was a great experience.
My daughter had some minor injuries and other issues during her study abroad. By referring to the staff's experiences, I think she was able to deal with the situation without panicking. Ballet Connection's wealth of experience and know-how was very reassuring and helpful, making this a truly enjoyable study abroad experience. Thank you very much.